Car Review: 2010 Toyota RAV4

By Tom Lankard of New Car Test Drive

The Toyota RAV4 offers seating for seven and cargo capacity comparable to mid-size SUVs in a compact package. It’s quick, relatively easy to maneuver, and comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Among the best of the compact SUVs, the RAV4 excels at convenience and ease of use. Getting in and out of the driver’s seat is easy. It can move lots of people or lots of gear on a moment’s notice. And it comes standard with a long list of safety equipment. We prefer the five-passenger configuration.

We found the RAV4 smooth and stable underway. The Sport model has a harder ride due to its suspension tuning. RAV4’s available four-wheel-drive system works very well in wintry conditions as well as on rain-soaked roads.

The four-cylinder is responsive and gets an EPA-estimated 21/27 mpg when equipped with four-wheel drive, slightly better with two-wheel drive. Ordered with the optional V6, the RAV4 really scoots, boasting 269 horsepower.

RAV4 Limited upgrades with dual-zone automatic climate control, six-CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, cargo net and tonneau cover, heated and foldable power outside mirrors with new integrated turn signals, roof rails, engine immobilizer, the Smart Entry system, and other amenities. Outside, the Limited is distinguished by a unique grille and front bumper, P225/65R17 tires on six-spoke alloy wheels, and a full hard-shell spare tire cover. Options include the third-row seat ($750-850), eight-way power driver’s seat without leather ($440), and a premium JBL stereo with Bluetooth phone connectivity ($610), plus most of the options from the Sport level, mostly for the same prices. Two Extra Value Packages bundle the JBL stereo, Bluetooth, sunroof, power adjustable heated seats, and daytime running lamps; one includes navigation ($2,110), the other doesn’t ($1,240).

Safety features on all RAV4s include dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags. Active headrests on the driver and front passenger seats move up and forward in certain rear-end collisions to help reduce the distance between the occupant’s head and the headrest. Front seatbelts incororate pre-tensioners and force limiters. Also standard are LATCH child safety seat anchors, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), and a tire-pressure monitor.

The RAV4 looks like other contemporary Toyotas, featuring an aerodynamically efficient ovoid profile strategically relieved by sharp character lines. A coefficient of drag of 0.33 is among the best in its segment and a major factor in minimizing wind noise and maximizing fuel economy.

The Toyota RAV4 is enjoyable to drive and packaged well. Three rows of seating are available. The available V6 engine delivers lots of power.